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In this issue, you will read about....
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1. Passing them on
2. The Top 30 searches for Antiques & Collectibles in 2004
3. Your Classifieds
4. Software For Collectors. The Perfect Gift (sponsors message)
5. Lost and Found
6. News from the Kovels
7. Newly listed items
8. Funny Old Stuff
9. Wanted ads. Can you help?
10. A Vintage Recipe
11. A Vintage Recipe Request from a Reader
12. New Online Merchants
13. Helpful Resources For Collectors
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1) After you read this story, tell us your interesting story. Send your
story to newsletter@tias.com and we may publish it here . We want to
hear any interesting or unusual stories you would like to share with us
that are related to collecting or anything vintage.
--
Passing them on..
I have kept meaning to write about the issue of reserving items to be
passed on after someone dies. My paternal grandmother was an avid
collector of many things: Asian arts, cloisonne, silver, crystal, porcelain,
jewelry, books, ivory genre figures, furniture, Oriental rugs, etc. My
grandfather wrote physics and chemistry textbooks, and taught those
subjects, and my grandmother was a private tutor of brilliant children.
During the Depression--when married women teachers in the public
schools lost their jobs to 'men who had to support their families'--she
was able to keep teaching since she was self-employed. She haunted
auction houses, street barrows, deaccession sales of museums both
public and private, and any other source she could find. She had
hundreds of reference works, and a photographic memory. She invested
every cent she could get her hands on--at pennies on the dollar--buying
wonderful pieces from sources such as Peggy Guggenheim's estate.

In their California home, east of San Diego, she had a bottom shelf in the
book case beside the huge granite fireplace, and kept small items there.
Such items as a miniature ivory pair of binoculars that showed the Eiffel
tower when you looked into it; a locket that was shaped like a little book;
a doll-house size set of cobalt blue, blown glass lemonade pitcher and
glasses on a tiny silver tray; a corked bottle with colored sand from the
Holy Land, and many other little treasures. As young as age two, my
sisters and I were allowed to touch and play with these things, as long as
we put them back. We didn't have to ask, as long as we treated the
items with care and respect. It was Grandma's feeling that the only way
children would learn to take care of nice things, and to identify and
recognize them, was to be allowed to touch them.

I'm getting to the purpose of this letter in a minute. Whenever one of my
sisters or I would comment on how much we liked something--not just
the little treasures, but anything in the house--Grandma would say, 'Put
your name on it.' That's why your story in a past issue resonated so.
We did, in fact develop a habit of putting a little piece of paper with our
initials on it in or on anything in which we had a specific interest. When
she died, she actually left all her personal possessions to her daughter-
in-law, my mother. Mom left the little pieces of paper in place, unless
she was going to use one of the tea sets, or a set of dishes, but always
put the papers back. When my sister married, we went through
everything and she took some of her preferences with her at that time,
as did I a few years later. And each time, we might change our minds
about some items, and move or remove the little pieces of paper.

When my mother died, the three of us met at her apartment. We opened
a bottle of champagne and toasted her in the Tiffany champagne glasses.
Then, we put the numbers 1, 2 & 3 in a silver Revere bowl, and took turns
drawing numbers to determine the order in which we would select our
choices of the collection. We cried a little, drank some champagne, and
shared our memories of our ancestresses, and the items we were
apportioning . It was a remarkably equitable way to arrive at our shares.
We also designated certain items to be donated to museums or other
places where they might best be preserved, and agreed on certain items
that we might take turns giving house room to, and that could not be sold
or disposed of without unanimous agreement. Our husbands also agreed
to honor the agreement.

As a dealer, when I acquire items to resell, I feel that I am arranging
'adoptions' and finding homes for the items I handle. That is why it tickles
me to read the stories in the newsletter of people going out of their way to
find family members for items they have come upon. My father collected
antique weapons, and some time in the '30's had purchased a fine, 17th
or 18th century yatighan--a Turkish presentation sword--in an elaborate,
beautifully made scabbard, from a private museum in New York. Now, if
you really want goosebumps, in 1972, not long before he died, my father
attended an antique show in California. Although he was not hunting for
them, he found, and purchased, a pair of pistols--complete with a
magazine article about the set--which had been made to go with the
sword! Sometimes, I swear there is a spirit in items that have had
meaning to someone, that makes them really try to get back to their
origins or their original owners.

Thanks so much for your newsletter, and for giving those of us who care
about such things a forum in which to share our thoughts and experiences.
Best regards and Happy Holidays, Shon Miller --The Mad Hatter's Tea Party
--
Comments, thoughts? Post them online at:
http://www.auctionbytes.com/forum/phpBB/viewforum.php?forum=16&31
We collect interesting stories about collecting. Things like your best find,
unusual collections, bizarre collectibles. Anything and everything that is
interesting that has to do with collecting. We may publish it here. Send
your story to newsletter@tias.com .
-------------

2) The Top 30 searches for Antiques & Collectibles in 2004
The top 30 list is based on millions of online searches that were
conducted by customers visiting antique and collectible related Web
sites that are hosted by TIAS.com Inc. This year's list also includes a
comparison with the 2003 searches. Here are the 30 most requested
online search terms for 2004.

1. Avon - up from #3 in 2003
2. Depression glass - up from # 8 in 2003
3. Cookie jar - up from #6 in 2003
4. Carnival glass - up from #18 in 2003
5. Fenton - up from #13 in 2003
6. Milk glass - up from #29 in 2003
7. Roseville - same as 2003
8. McCoy - down from #4 in 2003
9. Dolls - down from #1 in 2003
10. Pyrex - up from #14 in 2003
11. Limoges - down from #10 in 2003
12. Teapot - down from #9 in 2003
13. Nippon - up from #22 in 2003
14. Chairs - up from #25 in 2003
15. Fire king - New to list
16. Mirrors - New to list
17. Bottles - up from #21 in 2003
18. Desks - New to list
19. Staffordshire - New to list
20. Lamps - down from #11 in 2003
21. Tables - up from #27 in 2003
22. Books - down from #15 in 2003
23. Vases - down from #12 in 2003
24. Hummels - New to list
25. Plates - down from #2 in 2003
26. Clocks - down from #24 in 2003
27. China (as in China and Dinnerware) - down from #5 in 2003
28. Tiffany - New to list
29. Pottery - down from #20 in 2003
30. Barbie - New to list

3) Your Classifieds...
Do you have antiques or collectibles you are just itching to sell? A simple
classified ad in this newsletter might just be your answer. Over 240,000
readers subscribe to this newsletter. One of them just might be able
to help you out. Place your ad today at: http://www.tias.com/classifieds

4) Software For Collectors. The Perfect Gift (sponsors message)
Looking for that perfect gift for a family member or friend that is a collector?
Get them collection management software from Collectify. Collectify is the
only collection management software recommended by Sothebys to their
clients. It works with EVERY type of antique or collectible.

Order a Free 30 day trial version of Collectify or you can even download
it from the Web. If you decide to keep it, as a newsletter reader you can
get a huge discount off the regular retail price. For more info, take a look at:
http://pages.tiasexchange.com/7283/PictPage/1920704600.html
-------------

5) Lost and Found
We accept three types of Lost and found submissions for publication in this
newsletter.

1. You have a vintage item in hand and you are trying to find relatives of
the original owner(s). This could be an old photo album, baby book, diploma,
Family Bible, or other vintage items that can be linked to a specific person
or family.

2. You are looking for a fairly common vintage item that has deep personal
meaning for you or someone you know. I'm sorry, but we do not post
requests for "one of a kind items" that have been lost or stolen.

3. If you have a friend or relative that has been lost for at least 10 years,
maybe our readers can help you.

Remember to include as many details about the item(s) as you can. For
your story to run in this section, you must include your email address and
allow us to publish it. If this service helps you eventually track down the
relatives or find an item, please tell us about it in a follow-up story.
--
Item needs home...
We have inherited photographs of several young women from Troy, New
York circa 1893. One photograph is of the Pickwick Girls School in Troy,
NY Nov. 6, 1893. Listed are the names: Molle Fitch, Grace Snyder, Ethel
Irving, Marcia Durnham, Mary Loomis (parents-Mr. and Mrs. William W.
Loomis), Laura Reed, Eva Wincoop, Annie Wilbur, Leona Crandall
(parents - R.L. & Bette Crandall) and our Grandmother Elsie Hastings.
This photograph is priceless and we would love to share it with any
descendants of their families. We have another smaller photo of Mary
Loomis and Leona Crandall with our Grandmother.

Still yet we have the most beautiful solo portrait photo of Leona Crandall
who later married Orville Hagen and lived at 306 Broadway, Patterson,
NJ in 1913 with two sons, Gordon & Phillip.

We would love to pass these wonderful memories onto family members.
Please email me at krismac99@aol.com
--
How about you? Do you have some special vintage item that is in need of
its owner or are you looking for a special item or person? Maybe we can
help. Send us info at newsletter@tias.com
-------------

6) NEWS FROM THE KOVELS
A NEW BOOK FROM THE KOVELS
JUST PUBLISHED- KOVELS' AMERICAN ANTIQUES, 1750-1900. All in
color with more

than 400 full-color photos. Everything the American antique collector wants
to know about pottery and porcelain, furniture, silver, glass, jewelry,
toys, advertising and much more. Use it to identify, understand, and
evaluate your American antiques.

SPECIAL OFFER-Order online and the Kovels will send you a FREE leaflet
listing prices for the antiques pictured in the book!

8) Funny Old Stuff
This is our humor section. These are humorous stories and jokes that
are sent in by readers. If you have a submission you would like to share,
please send it to newsletter@tias.com and we may run it in the next issue.
---
My five year old nephew was playing with toy handcuffs. His mother's
fiance' told him " I have some real handcuffs." Curiously, he asked" Why?
Did you used to be a cop?" "Yes, I was", he replied. After thinking seriously
about it for a minute and knowing how much the man loved horses, my
nephew proudly piped up and asked " Then what happened? You met my
mom and decided you wanted to be a cowboy?" Out of the mouths of
babes!
---
Do you have a funny story or joke you would like to share? Make someone
feel good by sharing it with us. Send it to newsletter@tias.com and we may
publish it here.
-------------

9) Wanted ads. Can you help?
Here are the latest wanted ads from the TIAS Exchange. Can
you help someone out? To place an ad of your own take a look at:
http://www.tiasExchange.com

10) A Vintage Recipe
In the last issue Becky G. requested a recipe for "refrigerator rolls"
Here is one of the responses to that request. If you
have a variation of this recipe that you would like to share
with our readers, please post it to:
http://www.auctionbytes.com/forum/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=16
Be sure to check out this weeks recipe request, below.
--
This is for Becky G. in Black Rock, AR - a recipe for Refrigerator
Rolls. An elderly lady shared the recipe with me approximately 40
years ago and I have been making them ever since, especially for
holidays:

Mix together shortening, sugar & boiling water. Cool, add cold water,
eggs, yeast and 3 cups flour. Beat well before adding rest of the flour.
You may bake immediately or refrigerate for future use. I roll them
into walnut size balls and fit three in one muffin tin for cloverleaf rolls.
Bake 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Makes approximately 2 1/2 dozen
cloverleaf rolls. Enjoy! Jo Ann E.
--
Did you know TIAS merchants have over 1000 vintage
cookbooks for sale online? They make great gifts. Take a
look at: http://www.tias.com/cookbooks
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11) A vintage recipe request from a reader
As with collectibles, people also have very strong feelings about foods
from their past. Sometimes these special recipes get lost. This section
is to help people who are looking for lost recipes from their past. If you
submit a request, please include the the geographical region where
you had this recipe.
--
Hi there, Many years ago, I use to make this wonderful coffeecake with
orange peel, fresh squeezed orange, and cubed cream cheese in it.
You baked it and the cream cheese was warm and melted in the
delicious cake batter. I lost the recipe and have been looking for it
ever since. Does anyone have a recipe for this wonderful coffeecake?
Thank you, Ann
--
If you can help this reader with this recipe, please forward it to
recipes@tias.com . If you have a vintage recipe request send it to
recipes@tias.com and we might just publish it here.
--
Be sure to check out our vintage kitchen collectibles section online at:
http://www.tias.com/kitchen
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12) New Online Merchants
These merchants just opened shop online. Stop by and check out their
fresh inventory for Holiday shoppers.

ATELIER
http://www.tias.com/stores/lafayetta
Here you will find the finest of late 19th. and early 20th. Century French
Fabric Pillows to grace your home. Whether you feature an antique or
contemporary decor, or an eclectic mix of both, you will surely
appreciate these beautiful designs and their ability to evoke the luxury
and sensuality of Belle Epoque France.
--
Sell with us
If you have one or a few items to sell, try our classifieds at
http://www.tiasexchange.com. If you have more than a few items to sell, open
your own store at TIAS. It's easy and fun. Over 170,000 customers visit us
on an average day. It costs you nothing to get started. Take a look at:
http://www.makeashop.com
-------------

13) Helpful Resources:
1. What's it worth? Try Kovels' free online price guide to over 300,000
antiques and collectibles. It can be found online at http://www.kovels.com